If you’re like me, the way you get through an especially long and brutally cold winter is by planning all the spring outfits and new makeup trends you’ll be wearing soon enough (even if you’re the only one who’ll be seeing them this year). And that much is especially true for nail polish. Something about swapping out moody winter nail colors for softer spring nail shades instantly changes my overall vibe, know what I mean?

As we emerge from the darkness of winter, the year’s freshest season calls for us to lighten up. “Spring always brings an influx of pastel and bright shades after a season of muted deep tones,” says nail artist and JINsoon Nail Lacquer founder Jinsoon Choi. Known for her runway looks and sleek New York City salons, Choi knows at-home manicures are more popular than ever and encourages people to use this time away from the salon to their advantage.